Yesterday, I asked you, our dedicated readers, to provide me with your opinions on the reports that Lou Lamoriello intends to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer.
Boy, did you all not disappoint.
As I mentioned yesterday, the “What Do You Think?” series will feature two segments.
The first will consist of an overview of the developing news, accompanied by my brief take on it. The second, which you are reading right now, will be where a number of your comments will be featured.
So, without further adieu, allow me to present a collection of your thought-provoking takes!
John
“Firstly, Lou has done a tremendous job in 3 years with changing the culture around the team. This is exactly why Lou was brought into the organization. Some people may be upset about his trade deadline moves but, let’s be honest, most teams who try to build their team on trade deadline day usually regret it.
I like McDonough, but he is not a fit for the Leafs at this stage. Mainly due to the fact he is at his peak now and it will only go downhill from here. There is no point giving up assets for a player that will not be as effective in 2-3 years when the Leafs will be contending for a cup.
Lou was also brought in to mentor Dubas and even Hunter as well. I am still not sold on Dubas being ready to assume the GM job just yet. I think Hunter is better qualified just based on their resumes.
There is no way that either Dubas or Hunter would be able to put their stamp on the organization with Lou still on as a senior advisor.”
AJ
“I will say this. Bringing in Lou to act as training wheels for Dubas made a lot of sense.
The media circus calmed down as well. He even made a few great trades (Andersen comes to mind). And of course the Phaneuf trade. And signing Kadri to that long-term excellent deal helps.
So, Lou has credit to his name for his tenure as leaf gm.
However, last summer, and heading into the expansion draft, I am not all that impressed with what he accomplished. The leafs apparently had chances to upgrade on defence and did nothing, other than sign a couple of undrafted swedes and an aged vet.
This failure likely cost the Leafs a deep run in this years’ playoffs.
Another failure last summer was not landing a competent fourth line centre. This cost a 2nd round pick. Also, like the year before, the deadline-obtained 4C did not have the desired impact.
Although Patty Marleau has played reasonably well for the Leafs, I don’t understand forking out the dough and term in this situation. In any case, Marleau was a valuable asset this past season and I’ll leave it at that.
I believe a creative and inventive GM is now needed for the buds. I think Dubas has demonstrated those abilities in how he has managed the Marlies. I believe that Dubas will likely be able to obtain the needed assets to make the Leafs a contender.
Fun to watch.”
Erne
“Like any business, it’s not always what you know, but who you know. And Shanny knew Lou. He knew that Lou knew everyone in the business. I just hope three years was enough time for Dubas to copy Lou’s Rolodexlodex to his smartphone.”
AlanP
“Lou did a great job at signing contracts such as Rielly, Kadri, Hyman, and Brown. That’s a very strong plus. Although, he wasn’t able to find RHD last year. And Zaitsev’s contract is up for debate.
A new stats-friendly GM could improve further by finding undervalued players to fill the remaining gaps (RHD and/or quality defensive forwards at low cost, which would make a massive difference next year). Chayka managed to get unwanted players like Demers (who had a great season), Hjalmarsson, and recently Kruger, for not much.
Kudos to him. That’s what a new GM could bring.
On the other hand, Lou’s departure makes me worried about the Leafs’ future, contract-wise. My barometer is Nylander. If he gets more than Ehlers’ 6×6 (a comparable player), this will spell doom for the Leafs. Because it means the other youth will then expect to be overpaid as well.
And I project we wouldn’t be able to maintain the depth needed for extended playoff runs in that case.”
David Dean
“If Lou is heading for the Islanders…FAT CHANCE that the Leafs get a shot at signing free-agent John Tavares :(”
Anonymous
“In his 3 years of being the Leafs GM, Lou Lamoriello made many glaring blunders.
And that is counting the ejecting of Riemer and Bernier and then soon trading away a first-round pick and a second round pick for an NHL goaltender with a save percentage similar to Reimer’s as merely a dubious move.
His moves had the result of cutting corners on the rebuild in order to rush it. When Shanahan was promising that that would not be the case. And, of course, in his 3-year term with the Leafs, he failed to get any returns for Bozak, VR, and Komarov.
All of whom are now going to walk away from the Leafs without any returns for any of those players.
Now, Shanahan should not take too long to select the next Leafs GM. He has many issues that have to be addressed immediately upon his being hired. This includes giving of QOs to the RFAs the Leafs would want to keep.
I even suggest that Tyler Bozak be given a contract offer to stay for another year or two for $2 – 2.5 mill per season.
But anyone who believes that he has done any better than a very poor job as Leafs GM has been too intoxicated with his ‘Koolaid’.”
Rick Skinner
“Hello! I think Brendan did a wonderful job putting the pieces in place to bring structure and respect back to the Leafs franchise.
Lou has been awesome with his no bones attitude and straightforward comments. Refreshing. He will be missed for sure.”
Craig Manzer
“Other than trading Phaneuf, what did Lou really do?
He drafted Mathews (good job, Lou). He brought in Marleau at 3 x $6.25, signed Zaitsev long term, brought in Hainsey (who exceeded expectations and was a pk warrior but didn’t really upgrade the glaring weakness on D).
Carrick, Rosen, and Borgman couldn’t win a job over Roman Polak. He also brought in Martin, Moore, Plekanec and Fehr. Picking up a late pick, they also parted with Valiev/Soshnikov plus.
He failed to upgrade the weakness from last year and went out in round 1. Is Lou really the best gm they have had? Yikes.
Lou should instantly send Freddy a thank you card.”
Next: The Unheralded Trevor Moore
Thank you so much for commenting! If you like this series and want it to continue, please let me know.
Plus, keep your eyes peeled for a Dubas-related “What Do You Think?” next week.